Ptinus fur

(Linnaeus, 1758)

white-marked spider beetle, whitemarked spider beetle

Ptinus fur is a small stored-product pest with a nearly distribution. measure 2.0–4.3 mm and are distinguished by red-brown coloration with yellow hairs, dense pale hairs on the prothorax, and patches of white on the . The is morphologically similar to Ptinus villiger. It develops optimally at 23°C, completing its in approximately 132 days on fishmeal. Larval in cocoons can extend development by 220–280 days. The species is unlikely to reach large sizes due to its long development period, small output (mean 38.6 eggs per female), and tendency for diapause.

Ptinus fur by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Ptinus fur by (c) Janet Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Ptinus fur-s by Magnefl. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ptinus fur: /ˈpti.nʊs fʊr/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Red-brown body covered with yellow hairs. Prothorax densely covered with pale hairs; bear patches of white . Length 2.0–4.3 mm. Morphologically similar to Ptinus villiger (hairy spider beetle), from which it may be distinguished by specific hair and scale patterns.

Images

Habitat

Stored food environments; warehouses; museums; unheated outbuildings. Also recorded in nests of birds, notably the sand martin.

Distribution

Nearly ; worldwide distribution associated with stored products. Records from Europe (Serbia), Atlantic islands (Faial, São Miguel, Santa Maria), and Africa.

Diet

Dried and decaying animal and vegetable material. require food and drinking water. In laboratory conditions, fishmeal produces the heaviest beetles while wheatfeed allows quickest development.

Life Cycle

; larva (normally three moults at 23°C, some individuals with extra moult); mature larva in cocoon with facultative lasting ~220 days at 23°C or ~280 days at 20°C; pupa; . Pre- period 30–60 days. Complete development in mean 132.1 days at 23°C on fishmeal. Adults live several months.

Behavior

Larvae produce webbed, materials on stored products. Some individuals undergo as mature larvae within cocoons. may also diapause in cocoons.

Ecological Role

Stored product pest; unlikely to occur in large numbers due to biological constraints.

Human Relevance

Pest of stored foods in warehouses. Documented pest in museums, damaging stored collections.

Similar Taxa

Tags

Sources and further reading